Torn ACL and Diving

[socmaster1]

I recently tore my acl in my right knee having only had surgery for my left acl 10 months ago (though left is all good now).
I have a 2 week diving holiday booked for end of Jan and was wondering what is the opinion on diving with a torn acl? I know I can't dive if I have surgery between now and then, but I am contemplating delaying surgery till after the trip.
The diving will be liveaboard and shore based, but all will be off tenders. I asked my doctor and he was mostly just worried about walking around on a rocking boat. I am a bit worried about climbing up ladders with gear and my swimming ability with the torn acl.
What is everyone's opinions and experience?
Thanks

 

[tc_rain]

Only you can decide if you can do it. When I tore mine I knew I couldn't dive; I could barely walk but I had also torn my MCL and meniscus too. One thing I would advise is to make sure your meniscus is fine; otherwise, you can do more damage to it. Good luck and I hope it all works out.

 

[DocVikingo]

Should an individual decide to dive with a torn ACL, s/he would want to be sure that knee strength and range of motion were fully adequate for scuba; discomfort was not significantly increased by fining; and narcotic pain meds were not required for adequate comfort.

Under the circumstances, gear should be donned and doffed in the water and care taken while climbing the dive ladder. Attempting to climb the ladder with gear on would be an invitation to disaster.

Of course great care should be taken not to slip and fall while on the boat.

BTW, if the meniscus is torn or otherwise damaged, it complicates the picture some, but in any event diving does pose risk for an injured ACL.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[socmaster1]

Thanks guys.
At the end of the day the risks of diving with the torn ACL outweigh the costs of rescheduling the dive trip. There are just too many things that could and might go wrong that shouldn't be risked with an activity that is inherently dangerous.
Whilst I really wanted to do the trip, to go and find that I can't handle diving would be devastating and it would be horrible to have to continue a dive trip without the diving.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hey socmaster1,

I'm sure that was a painful decision, but a reasoned and mature one.

You'll be back to dive another day.

Best of luck.

DocV